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Grand Forks County, North Dakota — County Report Card

ND

#51 in North Dakota

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Property TaxCost of LivingIncome & JobsSafetyHealthSchoolsDisaster RiskWater QualityWeather & ClimateSoil QualityLawn CareFarmers MarketsView on Map
40
County Score
Water Quality 86Health 80.5Soil Quality 60.5

County Report Card

About Grand Forks County, North Dakota

Below the National Livability Median

Grand Forks County carries a composite score of 40.5, trailing the national median of 50.0. This ranking suggests the county faces more significant livability hurdles than the average American county.

Trailing the North Dakota Average

The county's score of 40.5 sits significantly below the North Dakota state average of 61.5. Challenges in safety and cost sectors weigh down its standing among state peers.

Robust Healthcare and Income Levels

Health remains a major asset with a score of 80.5, while a median household income of $68,450 keeps the income score at a respectable 62.8. Residents benefit from strong medical infrastructure even as other metrics lag.

Significant Safety and Cost Hurdles

A safety score of 8.4 and a cost score of 24.3 highlight critical areas where the county struggles. With median home values at $244,200 and high relative costs, affordability is a growing concern for locals.

Best for Health-Focused Professionals

This county is best suited for those who prioritize access to medical care and steady wages over safety or low housing costs. It serves as a regional hub where professional opportunities offset higher living expenses.

204060801002625.68.480.55857.542.38644.6Tax26Cost25.6Safety8.4Health80.5Schools58Income57.5Risk42.3Water86Weather44.640/100
This county
National avg
2 above average4 below average

Grand Forks County DNA

Foverall

How Grand Forks County compares to the national average across nine baseline dimensions

Grand Forks County is a tale of two counties — exceptional in Health (80.5/100) but notably weak in Safety (8.4/100). This polarized profile creates distinct trade-offs for residents.

Dimension Breakdown

Tax
26-26
Cost
25.6-22.4
Safety
8.4-46.6
Health
80.5+30.5
Schools
58
Income
57.5
Risk
42.3
Water
86+28
Weather
44.6-11.399999999999999
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Can You Afford to Live Here?

Median Home Price

$252,700

National median: $185,300

Median Rent

$992/mo

National median: $877/mo

Income Needed (home)

$252,700/yr

28% front-end rule

Income Needed (rent)

$39,680/yr

30% rent rule

Affordability Spectrum3.7x income
AffordableNational avgExpensive
Local median income: $68,075/yr
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Economic & Education Snapshot

Primary Care

28.9

per 100K

Data from Federal Reserve (FRED), U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard, and CMS NPPES.

Explore this county

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Nearby counties

Walsh County
North Dakota
55.4
Traill County
North Dakota
64.8
Marshall County
Minnesota
69.9
Polk County
Minnesota
50.9
Steele County
North Dakota
72.8
Nelson County
North Dakota
71.7
Pembina County
North Dakota
68.5
Norman County
Minnesota
68.8

Deep Dives

Grand Forks County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 9 data dimensions — each powered by a dedicated ByCounty site.

Property Tax in Grand Forks County

via TaxByCounty

Grand Forks taxes match the nation

Grand Forks County's effective tax rate of 1.128% slightly exceeds the national median of 1.1%, placing this county right at the middle of the pack nationally. The median tax bill of $2,754 matches the national median of $2,690, reflecting both higher home values and a rate slightly above average.

Highest-taxed county in North Dakota

Grand Forks ranks first in effective tax rate among all 53 North Dakota counties at 1.128%, well above the state average of 0.885%. This 28% premium reflects the county's need to fund services for its larger population and greater property values.

Significantly higher than surrounding counties

Grand Forks's rate of 1.128% far exceeds neighboring Golden Valley (0.930%), Griggs (0.906%), and LaMoure (0.968%) counties. Only Hettinger County matches this burden at 1.128%, making Grand Forks a regional outlier in tax pressure.

What a typical homeowner pays

On the median home value of $244,200, Grand Forks homeowners pay roughly $2,754 annually in property taxes. With mortgage insurance, that bill rises to $2,881—among the highest in the state.

High valuations deserve close review

Grand Forks's higher assessments mean homeowners have more to gain from a reassessment challenge. If your home was last valued more than three years ago, request a review—potential savings could exceed $300 annually.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Income & Jobs in Grand Forks County

via IncomeByCounty

Grand Forks slightly lags national income

Grand Forks County's median household income of $68,450 falls $6,305 short of the national median of $74,755. The county ranks in the middle tier of U.S. counties, reflecting a moderate earning profile for a region anchored by a university and military presence.

Mid-range earnings within North Dakota

Grand Forks County ranks 25th among North Dakota's 53 counties, earning $3,913 below the state average of $72,537. Despite being home to the University of North Dakota and Grand Forks Air Force Base, household incomes here trail the state median.

Mixed results against neighboring counties

Grand Forks County's $68,450 income edges out Griggs County ($64,737) but trails nearby Walsh County and Nelson County across the Minnesota border. The presence of institutional employers helps sustain incomes, though agricultural volatility affects surrounding communities.

Rent consumes a notable share of income

Grand Forks County's rent-to-income ratio of 17.0% remains below the danger zone of 30%, though higher than many rural counties. With a median home value of $244,200—the highest among these eight counties—homeownership requires careful financial planning but rental housing remains accessible.

Strategic planning can strengthen financial position

Grand Forks households earning $68,450 can still build wealth through disciplined budgeting and investment. Explore employer retirement benefits, especially through the university or military, and consider consulting financial advisors about diversifying beyond housing into stocks, bonds, and education savings.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Grand Forks County

via CrimeByCounty

Grand Forks Urban Safety Profile

Grand Forks County reports a total crime rate of 2,938.6 per 100,000, which exceeds the national average of 2,385.5. Despite this, it maintains a safety score of 95.4, reflecting localized urban challenges rather than widespread danger.

Higher Activity Than State Peers

With a safety score below the state average of 98.5, Grand Forks ranks as a more active law enforcement environment. Its total crime rate is nearly triple the North Dakota state average of 976.6.

A Busy Regional Hub

As a regional hub, Grand Forks sees significantly higher crime rates than rural neighbors like Nelson or Traill Counties. Six reporting agencies manage a caseload much larger than surrounding agricultural districts.

Property Crime Drives the Numbers

Property crime drives the figures here, reaching 2,660.2 per 100,000 residents compared to 278.4 for violent crime. This indicates that theft and property-related incidents are the primary public safety concerns.

Securing Your Urban Home

Higher property crime rates make smart home security and neighborhood watch programs essential for residents. Secure your entry points and keep valuables out of sight to minimize risk in this busy corridor.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Weather & Climate in Grand Forks County

via WeatherByCounty

Grand Forks Faces a Rugged Continental Climate

With an average annual temperature of 40.0°F, Grand Forks is significantly cooler than the national median of approximately 55°F. This humid continental region experiences dramatic seasonal shifts typical of the northern plains.

Trailing the State Temperature Average

The county's 40.0°F annual average sits one full degree below the North Dakota state average of 41.0°F. This makes it one of the cooler jurisdictions in a state already known for its frigid conditions.

Colder than Neighbors to the West

Grand Forks remains slightly warmer than Griggs County to the south, which averages 39.3°F. However, it cannot match the 42.8°F average seen in southwestern counties like Grant.

Frigid Winters Meet Mild Summers

Winter temperatures plummet to a mean of 10.3°F, supported by 48.5 inches of annual snowfall. Summers are pleasant but short, with July averaging 69.0°F and only 7 days reaching above 90°F.

Prepare for Deep Freezes and Snow

High-efficiency heating systems are essential to handle January lows that average 6.4°F. Residents should also invest in heavy-duty snow removal equipment to manage the nearly 50 inches of annual accumulation.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Grand Forks County

via SoilByCounty

Alkaline Soils of the Red River Valley

Grand Forks County has a notably alkaline soil profile with an average pH of 7.32, well above the national median of 6.5. The county's overall soil score of 60.5 reflects a solid foundation, though it slightly trails the state average of 63.2.

Balanced Texture for Northern Agriculture

The earth here is a mix of 40.0% silt, 37.2% sand, and 22.9% clay. This relatively high clay percentage compared to neighboring counties helps retain nutrients but requires careful timing to avoid compaction during wet years.

Strong Organic Matter for Growing

The soil contains 4.18% organic matter, significantly beating the national average of 2.0% despite being lower than the North Dakota average. An available water capacity of 0.187 in/in matches the state average, providing reliable moisture for valley crops.

Managing Moisture in Silt and Clay

Specific drainage classifications are not listed, but the 22.9% clay content suggests the soil may drain more slowly than sandier regions. Proper field management is key to navigating the high water retention capabilities of this landscape.

Potatoes and Grains in Zone 4a

This Zone 4a environment is famous for potatoes, sugar beets, and small grains that love the mineral-rich soil. Local gardeners should look for plants that tolerate slightly alkaline conditions to make the most of this fertile ground.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Grand Forks County

via LawnByCounty

Above Average Lawn Success in Grand Forks

With a lawn difficulty score of 59.8, Grand Forks is one of the easier places in North Dakota to maintain a yard. This score comfortably beats the state average of 54.0 and the national median of 50.0. The Zone 4a climate offers a reliable foundation for cool-season turf.

Cooler Summers and Healthier Rain Totals

Grand Forks receives 22.3 inches of annual precipitation, which is higher than the North Dakota average of 19.5 inches. Extreme heat is rarely a concern, as the county only sees 7 days above 90°F per year. This cooler profile reduces moisture evaporation and stress on the grass.

Managing Silt and High pH

The soil pH of 7.32 is slightly alkaline, meaning many lawns benefit from targeted fertilizer applications to stay healthy. The mix of 22.9% clay and 37.2% sand provides a balanced texture, though specific drainage data is not available. Regular aeration can help prevent soil compaction in these clay-influenced areas.

Exceptional Drought Resilience

The county has experienced 0 weeks in drought over the last year, a remarkable figure for the region. Only 1% of the area is currently marked as abnormally dry, keeping lawns lush without heavy restrictions. Smart irrigation should still be used to maintain this resilience during shorter dry spells.

Prime Time for Red River Grass

Kentucky Bluegrass thrives here due to the cooler summer days and adequate moisture. Plan to seed after the last spring frost on May 11 to give your lawn time to establish before fall arrives on September 28. Robust growth is highly achievable with standard maintenance.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Grand Forks County's county score?
Grand Forks County, North Dakota has a composite county score of 40 out of 100 on CountyScore. This score is calculated from a weighted average of available data dimensions including property tax, cost of living, income, safety, health, and schools.
How does Grand Forks County rank among counties in North Dakota?
Grand Forks County ranks #51 among all counties in North Dakota on CountyScore's composite ranking. Rankings are based on available data dimensions and updated as new data is added.
What are property taxes like in Grand Forks County, North Dakota?
The median annual property tax in Grand Forks County is $2,900, with an effective tax rate of 1.15%. This earns Grand Forks County a tax score of 26/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Grand Forks County?
The median household income in Grand Forks County, North Dakota is $68,075 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Grand Forks County earns an income score of 57.5/100 on CountyScore.
Is Grand Forks County, North Dakota a good place to live?
Grand Forks County scores 40/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #51 in North Dakota. The best way to evaluate Grand Forks County is to compare individual dimension scores — property tax, cost of living, income, safety, health, and schools — based on your personal priorities. Use CountyScore to compare Grand Forks County with other counties side by side.
By Evan Brooks, Data EditorUpdated Reviewed by Evan Brooks, Data Editor

ByCounty Network

Property TaxCost of LivingIncome & JobsSafetyHealthSchoolsDisaster RiskWater QualityWeather & ClimateSoil QualityLawn CareFarmers Markets

Data from U.S. Census Bureau ACS, FBI UCR, CDC, FEMA NRI, NCES, EPA SDWIS, NOAA — informational only.